Definition of quarrel

Origin and Etymology of quarrel

Middle English querele, from Anglo-French, from Latin querela grievance, complaint, from queri to complain

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of quarrel

quarrel, wrangle, altercation, squabble mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger. quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention <a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship>. wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions <wrangle interminably about small issues>. altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows <a loud public altercation>. squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger <a brief squabble over what to do next>.